Yikes! My dog’s been sprayed by a skunk!

Video: How to Remove Skunk Smell from Your Dog

Like dogs, skunks spend a bit more time out and about when the weather is warm. Skunks like to hang out under houses, in bushes, near haystacks – all the places that curious dogs like to check out.

Video: How to clean your dog after being sprayed by a skunk - best method!!

When a skunk is startled, it normally makes an odd purring sound, sometimes growling. Before it emits mercaptan, that stinky sulphuric spray, in self-defense, it will first warn the target. The four-legged, striped little creature will raise its tail, stand on its hind legs, and stomp its front feet. If this behavior isn’t enough to scare off your dog, he’s probably going to get sprayed.

The mercaptan it usually sprays not only carries a terrible, unforgettable odor but, if it hits the target’s eyes, it can cause blindness for a couple of days. If this happens, get your dog to the vet right away to make sure he makes a full recovery.

If it’s just the smell you’re dealing with, keep reading. The smell is very difficult to remove from dog’s fur. If you do not act immediately, your pooch may smell for quite some time.

What to Do before Bathing your Smelly Pooch

Before you handle your “skunked” dog, you’ll want to put on some old clothes. Because skunk spray is actually oil, it is very difficult to get rid of from your clothing. If possible, leave your pet outside to keep the stinky oils from getting inside your house. Also, determining where the spray struck your pooch would be helpful as you may comb out or trim away some of the affected fur depending on your pet’s hair type.

Before you start washing your pooch, use paper towels to soak up the odor-ridden oils from his coat. Avoid spreading the oils from one part of your pet’s coat to another. It is important that you wipe only where the oils are already so you can prevent the problem from getting worse.

How to Get Rid of the Odor

For dogs with thick double coats, it may be especially hard to get the odor out. If immediate action is not taken, it is likely that the stench will remain for up to a couple of years, particularly when the pooch gets wet. It is recommended that you start bathing your dog with a shampoo before the sulphuric spray of the skunk dries on your pet’s fur.

Video: How Do I remove Skunk Smell From My Dog?

After washing your dog, quickly get to the nearest pet supply store for a skunk odor eliminator. Home remedies like bathing your dog in tomato juice are not only ineffective, but can also stain your dog’s coat. (We’ve heard great reviews of Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover)

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